Massacre illustrates need for power shift
What a catastrophic event is the Westfield Bondi stabbing, but hopefully many things can be learnt from this calamity. I use this terminology regretfully, but when you think of the barriers presented to those whose job it is to protect innocent individuals from this, and lesser attacks, it’s easy to understand how this behaviour can escalate.
It would be fair to say the emphasis on human rights has a significant role in the end result of this type of event, although thankfully the result is normally not so devastating.
I say this knowing a number will disagree and try to demonise me, but just like in our local shopping centre, what is the point of security guards who are limited to just talking to offenders, who treat them with utter contempt.
Similarly, police officers are initially restricted by the same senseless laws which don’t allow them to go on the offensive.
The heroine policewoman involved in bringing down this assailant now has to justify her every action, even though everyone from the PM down already agree she did the right thing.
Recognised security guards need the right to carry and use at least telescopic truncheons, especially in our local supermarkets where gangs of youths terrorise frightened customers.
What might’ve been the outcome at Westfield if the now deceased security guard had some form of armour as I’ve suggested? Just think, if someone gains entry to your property and you cause them an injury in trying to remove them, or by protecting yourself, you are liable if it’s considered you used too much force. It’s past time our lawmakers made the decision to return rights to the offended, while vastly restricting, if not removing the rights of the offender, or those rightfully considered likely to offend.
John Pritchard
Claremont